Ghanaian National “Abu Trica” Arrested After U.S. Indictment Over $8 Million Romance Fraud Scheme

Ghanaian authorities have arrested a man widely known as Abu Trica, following his indictment in the United States for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale romance fraud operation that is said to have defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million. The suspect, identified officially as Frederick Kumi, also known by aliases such as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was taken into custody in Ghana after U.S. federal prosecutors unsealed charges detailing his alleged role in an extensive, transnational criminal enterprise.

According to the U.S. indictment, Kumi is accused of being a central figure in a romance scam network that operated across several jurisdictions using digital platforms, fake identities, and elaborate emotional manipulation techniques. Investigators say that the network primarily targeted senior citizens in the United States, cultivating online relationships through dating sites and social media platforms before gradually persuading victims to transfer large sums of money under various fabricated pretences. These included false claims of medical emergencies, urgent travel needs, investment opportunities, or other crises designed to evoke sympathy and urgency.

Prosecutors contend that Kumi and his associates employed a sophisticated model that combined social engineering with carefully constructed fictional personas. In some cases, artificial intelligence tools were allegedly used to craft messages, create realistic profile images, and maintain long-term online engagements with victims. Once trust was firmly established, victims were asked to send money directly or through intermediaries, believing they were assisting someone they had formed a genuine emotional connection with. Funds were then moved through a network of bank accounts spread across multiple countries, making the illicit gains difficult to trace.

The indictment outlines charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. These charges carry severe penalties, and if convicted, Kumi could face up to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison. Additional forfeiture provisions have been included, signalling the intention of prosecutors to seize any assets determined to be connected to the alleged criminal activity. The severity of the charges reflects the significant financial and emotional harm inflicted on victims, many of whom suffered not only monetary losses but also psychological trauma after discovering the relationships they believed were genuine were orchestrated deceit.

Kumi’s arrest in Ghana is the result of ongoing cooperation between Ghanaian security agencies and U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI. Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, and other partner institutions played critical roles in tracking and detaining the suspect. Officials from both countries have emphasized that international collaboration remains essential to dismantling cyber-enabled criminal networks that exploit digital communication tools to target victims across borders.

Romance fraud has grown into a major global threat, fuelled by the expansion of online dating platforms and the increasing sophistication of digital impersonation techniques. Elderly individuals often trusting, lonely, or seeking companionship tend to be among the most vulnerable targets. Criminal networks exploit this vulnerability, using emotional manipulation to secure financial gain. In recent years, international operations across Africa have led to the arrest of hundreds of suspected scammers, highlighting the continent’s growing role as both a base and a battleground for cybercrime enforcement.

The case against Kumi forms part of broader efforts by the United States to combat financial exploitation of seniors. Federal initiatives aimed at protecting older adults have intensified, with prosecutors, investigators, and specialised task forces leading targeted operations to identify, intercept, and prosecute offenders involved in fraud, digital exploitation, and other forms of elder abuse. Public education campaigns have also become central to prevention efforts, as authorities warn citizens to be cautious of online relationships that involve repeated requests for money.

Following his arrest, Kumi now faces the possibility of extradition to the United States to stand trial. Legal processes will determine the timeline and conditions of the extradition, as well as any additional procedures required under Ghanaian law. For now, he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The unfolding case serves as a reminder of the growing complexity of cyber-enabled fraud and the importance of vigilance in digital spaces. As authorities continue to investigate, both Ghanaian and U.S. officials reiterate their commitment to safeguarding potential victims, strengthening cross-border law enforcement partnerships, and ensuring that perpetrators of transnational financial crimes are brought to justice.